Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Screening Program is Designated a “Center of Excellence”

GO2 for Lung Cancer recognizes the TGH Cancer Institute for its commitment to

the highest standards in lung cancer early detection through low dose CT screening.

Tampa, Fla. (May 14, 2025) — Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute's Lung Cancer Screening Program has earned national recognition as a Center of Excellence (COE) from GO2 for Lung Cancer, highlighting its commitment to early detection and lifesaving care. By leveraging advanced low-dose CT screening, the program is transforming outcomes for high-risk patients in the Tampa Bay region — detecting lung cancer at its most treatable stage and giving more people a better chance of survival.

“Receiving the Center of Excellence designation from GO2 for Lung Cancer is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of lung cancer screening and early detection,” said Dr. Eduardo Sotomayor, vice president and executive director of the TGH Cancer Institute. “At the TGH Cancer Institute, we are committed to providing at-risk patients with the most advanced screening technologies and a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to improving outcomes and saving lives.”

Founded by patients and survivors of cancer, GO2 is dedicated to increasing survival for those at risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by being the go-to for providing support to patients. This designation signifies that Tampa General meets rigorous standards and best practices in lung screening. Centers of Excellence are committed to responsible, high-quality screening — the COE designation “ensures that low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is carried out safely, efficiently, and equitably.” Achieving this status places Tampa General within a network of top-tier programs nationwide and instills confidence in patients that they are receiving evidence-based care.

Dr. Jonathan Daniel, thoracic surgeon at Tampa General, noted that early detection through lung cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools to improve survival rates and provide patients with the best possible care. “This designation recognizes the dedication of our team at Tampa General to ensuring that at-risk individuals in our community receive the screenings they need, supported by cutting-edge technology and a collaborative, patient-focused approach to treatment,” he said.

An estimated 237,000 Americans annually are diagnosed with lung cancer and most are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. As a result, lung cancer has long been the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. By screening individuals at high risk for lung cancer using low-dose, computed tomography, this disease can now be detected sooner, when it is more treatable and potentially curable.

GO2 COEs designated in lung cancer screening are committed to the principles of patient-centered communication and decision-making across the entire care pathway. They implement screening in accordance with current evidence and clinical guidelines developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). These centers coordinate patient follow-up, diagnostics and transition to treatment through a multidisciplinary clinical process.

“This recognition from GO2 for Lung Cancer underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in lung cancer screening,” said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, executive vice president, chief of Oncology; president of Tampa General Provider Network, Tampa General; and co-vice president, Clinical and Translational Research of the TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research. “By combining advanced diagnostics with a multidisciplinary care model, we are not only detecting lung cancer earlier but also ensuring that, as an academic health system, we can connect patients to cutting-edge technology and leading-edge clinical research trials. Tampa General remains steadfast in its mission to lead the way in cancer care and to provide our community with the best possible outcomes.”

One of the few Florida cancer centers backed by academic medicine, the TGH Cancer Institute ranks among the nation’s top 50 cancer centers in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals and No. 3 in Florida. The institute provides comprehensive care via groundbreaking therapies, advanced diagnostic imaging tools and a highly coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to world-class patient care. It is certified by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Accreditation and by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for meeting the strict standards required by the society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) program and has been named among America's Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek. For more information about the TGH Cancer Institute, visit www.tgh.org/cancer.